Lacto-N-biosidase

Lacto-N-biosidase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of certain complex carbohydrates. It is part of the glycoside hydrolase family 20 and is involved in the breakdown of lacto-N-biose and galacto-N-biose.

Function

Lacto-N-biosidase is responsible for the hydrolysis of the terminal, non-reducing lacto-N-biose residues in lacto-N-biose type glycolipids, and galacto-N-biose in galacto-N-biose type glycolipids. This enzymatic action is essential for the metabolism of these complex carbohydrates in the body.

Structure

The enzyme is a protein that is composed of a single polypeptide chain. It has a molecular weight of approximately 80,000 Daltons. The structure of lacto-N-biosidase is similar to that of other glycoside hydrolases, with a catalytic domain and a carbohydrate-binding domain.

Clinical Significance

Deficiency in lacto-N-biosidase can lead to a variety of health problems. For example, it has been associated with congenital disorders of glycosylation, a group of metabolic disorders that affect the synthesis and attachment of glycans to proteins and lipids.

See Also

• Glycoside hydrolase
• Metabolism
• Congenital disorders of glycosylation